From Design to Code: An Educational Approach

Abstract

Model Driven Engineering (MDE), despite having many advantages, is often overlooked by programmers due to lack of proper understanding and training in the matter. This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of MDE and looks at research results showing the adoption rates of design models. In light of the findings, an educational tool, namely Lorini, was developed to provide automated code generation from the design models. The implemented tool consists in a plug-in for the Astah framework aimed at teaching Java programming to students through UML diagrams. It features instantaneous code generation from three types of UML diagrams, code-diagram matching, a feedback panel for error displays and on-the-fly compilation and execution of the resulting program. Evaluation of the tool indicated it to be successful with unique educational features and intuitive to use.